Overview & Reviews
Like other vehicles in the growing subcompact segment, the Nissan Versa offers excellent fuel economy and available upmarket features while remaining very affordable. The current Versa also distinguishes itself with two available body styles -- the sedan and the Versa Note hatchback (reviewed separately) -- as well as one of the biggest backseats this segment will ever see. It's an adequate choice as an entry-level vehicle, though drivers looking for any degree of excitement or personality are advised to look toward the Versa's competition.
Current Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa sedan is offered in S, S Plus, SV and SL trim levels. The S is about as basic as it gets, providing steel wheels, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat and a two-speaker sound system. The S Plus gets a rear spoiler, cruise control and four-speaker audio. The SV adds alloy wheels, a folding rear seat and higher-quality interior trim. The SL boasts larger alloy wheels, keyless ignition and entry, Bluetooth and a USB/iPod input. Some of the SL's features are optional on the SV. The SL is eligible for additional technology features, including a navigation system and a touchscreen interface.
Power comes from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 109 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the base S trim level, while a four-speed automatic transmission is optional. The other trims come standard with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which greatly improves the car's fuel economy.
In reviews, we've found the Nissan Versa's tall roof line allows for a huge amount of interior space. Headroom in particular is extraordinary. There's also ample legroom, even in back, where 6-footers can miraculously ride in comfort. Cargo space is similarly impressive, with the trunk outdoing those of several larger cars. Materials quality, however, is underwhelming.
As a daily driver, the Versa provides pleasant enough service. It's a sensible sort of car, with an uncommonly cushy ride for a subcompact. The 1.6-liter engine doesn't like to be rushed, but it remains reasonably civilized in normal operation. If you're looking for a little flair or excitement, something like a Chevrolet Sonic or Ford Fiesta will probably be a better choice, as they provide more involving handling and distinctive styling.
Used Nissan Versa Models
The current, second-generation Nissan Versa sedan debuted for the 2012 model year. The current Versa's dimensions are largely unchanged from those of its predecessor, but the car is considerably more fuel-efficient. If you're shopping for a used current-generation Versa sedan, keep in mind that the 2013 model received a handful of additional standard and optional features. There have been no major changes, though.
The first-generation Nissan Versa sedan was produced from 2007-'11, and there was also a Versa hatchback (now known as the Versa Note) offered from 2007-'12. Originally, every Versa sedan and hatchback came standard with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that produced 122 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard. A four-speed automatic transmission was optional on the base Versa S trim, while a CVT was optional on the more upscale SL. For 2009, the SL sedan came standard with the four-speed automatic, while the SL hatchback got the CVT standard.
Another, more significant revision occurred for '09 when Nissan added a pair of even cheaper entry-level sedan models: the 1.6 Base and 1.6. As the number suggests, it had a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that produced 107 hp and 111 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual was standard and the four-speed automatic was optional. These 1.6 models had even fewer features than the 1.8 (air-conditioning and a radio were options).
It's important to note that antilock brakes were optional on all trims until 2010, when they became standard. ABS was always optional on the 1.6 variants. We highly recommend making sure a used Versa has this important safety feature.
We liked the original-generation Nissan Versa's spacious, comfortable and well-equipped cabin. We also found the 1.8-liter Versa to be surprisingly peppy and comfortable to drive. The CVT did a commendable job of getting the car up to speed on the highway; however, the six-speed manual made better use of the 1.8-liter engine's power reserves, so we recommend it to buyers who don't mind doing their own shifting.
As for the 1.6, it actually wasn't the downgrade you'd think it would be given its lower power. A sprint from zero to 60 mph still was accomplished in less than 10 seconds with the manual, and it rarely felt overwhelmed on the road. It's not the most pleasant-sounding engine in the world, however. Regardless of engine, this Versa suffered on rough roads, with the wheels tending to hop over obstructions rather than settling quietly back into place.
User Reviews:
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Best Hatch for My Cash - 2008 Nissan Versa
By jasonnwin - July 11 - 3:16 pmSo far, I love the car. Its onyx blue with beige interior. It had about 16 miles on the odometer. Ive put about 300 miles on it driving to and back from work on the freeway. Feels very upscale for an "econo-class" car. I chose the Versa after test driving three different versions (Manual, Auto, and Sports Auto with paddle shifter) of the Honda Fit. I found the Fit nimble but has too much of an "econo-car" feel to it. Plus the CVT and the Inteligent Key on the Versa are a couple of the many awesome "upscale" things that I appreciate every time I drive my Versa. I couldnt ask for more for the price that Nissan is selling it for.
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great car for the money - 2009 Nissan Versa
By paul - July 11 - 6:13 amtraded a 2002 elantra with 160k and wanted another one but the hyundia dealer wasnt moving on the price. Stumbled on to the Versa and got a great deal. Excellent on gas and comfortable too.
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Nice ride - 2007 Nissan Versa
By Jack - June 23 - 8:40 pmI absolutely love this car! I owned a Honda civic ex prior to this car, and it served me well, but I felt it time to change to something that sits higher. Now on to the cool stuff - very impressed with the interior space, as were my 63" friends! - drove 18 days on one tank of gas (just under 400 miles) and despite some high winds last weekend, I felt secure on the road. The blue tooth, keyless entry is a big plus -
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LOVE my Versa, dont miss my Clunker! - 2009 Nissan Versa
By manyskilz - June 22 - 11:43 amOk, so Ive only had it a week, but its been a great week. I drove everything before deciding on the Versa - it was the best equipped for the $, and has a solid feel, not like that "tin can little car" feel youd expect. If youre buying, spring for the SL with CVT - great mpg, and surprising zip factor. Got 29mpg on first tank. Also surprising - the roominess in the cabin. No cramped legs, no bumped heads. LOTS of storage. Parking is a breeze. Great price, great incentives, great warranty. I drive a LOT, and am very happy and expecting only to grow happier with my choice. Getting lots of compliments too...from "cool car!" to "adorable!" to "wow!" ... this is my second Nissan, wont be last!
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My first import... - 2008 Nissan Versa
By SubVet - June 21 - 10:43 pmI traded a 1998 Buick Century with well over 100,000 miles for this new Versa, and to date, am very happy I purchased it. My Buick was like a member of the family. For ten years, I got in each morning, turned the key, and she started. Never a problem. So far, my new Nissan is proving to be a worthy replacement. I average 35 MPG with a 6- speed transmission and the car is very comfortable. For the price ($10,000 + my trade), I cannot complain. The car even included power everything, ABS, keyless entry, cruise control and splash guards.
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Surprising - 2009 Nissan Versa
By Bob K. - June 18 - 1:53 amI have been looking at autos of this style for the past month. Ive tested the Toyota Yaris, Chevy Aveo, Honda Fit, Kia Rio5, and the Hundai Elantra Touring. Some of them were a bit sportier in style and performance but mostly less than the Nissan. Roominess was and is a hands down to the Nissan. I absolutely despised the instrument layout in the Toyota I guess that I dont like having to look over for the speedo etc.. Price was also a factor with the Nissan hitting the right tone. For those who havent driven the Chevy Aveo be cautioned, if you have to make a left turn and even see oncoming traffic you will be better off to get out and push than to use the accelerator. So far very Happy!
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Amazing Car - 2007 Nissan Versa
By William Greenwood - June 16 - 6:36 pmMy wife and I live on Cape Cod, but travel for business... I had a Versa on order, but after a delay we found a loaded Versa out of state. It has the CVT, bluetooth, XM, sunroof etc. My first drive in the car was a 4 1/2 hour trip home... I am very impressed to say the least. Lots of room, very comfortable, stylish, smooth and I got 32 mpg on the way home... in bumper to bumper traffic (and its not even close to being broken in!) I went from a full sized car to the Versa & I couldnt be more pleased. This is an amazing car!
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Nissan winning me over - 2007 Nissan Versa
By Wilkesboro - June 14 - 12:03 pm2007 Versa 1.8SL is good value for the money. I rated all 9s on survey but reserving final rating until I have driven 3k miles. Compared Civic and the Yaris. We didnt like the base model and the upgrade to SL gave us the power features and the sweet CVT transmission. Felt weird at first driving the new transmission (no winding of the transmission gears) but I like it now. I had my first 126 mile road trip yesterday and it was even better on the highway. Safety features are really nice with all the airbags and antilock breaks. Car lines are good and backseat has plenty of leg room for an adult. The 6 CD stereo sounds excellent with nice button layout. Handling and ride is above average
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I love it - 2008 Nissan Versa
By pompocho - June 13 - 2:07 amI bought the 2008 Versa SL on May 2008 and I really like it. I had to take it to the dealership for services because the air sensor keeps coming up. I took it back 4 times and they were not able to find the problem. I finally took it to SEARS and they were able to fix it. It is very economic and roomy. I have been reading about some ABS problem, thanks god I havent had any issue yet. The car has 28000 miles. Lets see when it reach the 50K. For now I enjoying it and I am planning to give it to my daughter who is turning 18 pretty soon.
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Very Happy so far - 2010 Nissan Versa
By John - June 11 - 10:43 pmWe have only had the car about a month but so far we are very happy with it. We wanted fuel economy, the first tank we got 31.8, not bad for combined city and highway driving. The car is very comfortable. We looked at the Fit, the space with the rear seat folded down is great, but the seats are very hard.
